Folding clamp stick



July 4, 1950 p. c. HUBBARD 2,514,063

FOLDING CLAMP STICK Filed April 22, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 1` 1,75 25% i 50 59 95 S5 59 s 25 i; f 22 7l l m l mi 78 h 79 Z7 .5. 52 6a A 59 59 1 58 65 26 27 j v0 55 27 "l 22 'Ihnen/(071 f lawd CJubbard Worf/y* July 4, 1950 D. c. HUBBARD FOLDING CLAMP STICK v5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 22, 1948 Irzz/emor agd CHubard July 4, 1950 D. C. HUBBARD FOLDING CLAMP STICK Filed April 22, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented July 4, 195.0

UNITED STATES PATENT oFFI-CE FOL-DING CLAMP STICK Davia C,.Hubbard, CentraliavMo., assigner i porationfof Missouri Application April 22, 1948, Serial No. 22,559

8 Claims. (Cl. 294-19) The present invention relates rtoffolding clamp sticks, and is .particularlyconcerned with theprovision of a clamp stick` construction .which 1s .adapted to Abe folded intermediate its length so that it Acan be more .conveniently stored in ,shorter storage space than the devices ofthe prior art.

One of the objects of the invention .is theprovvision of an improved clamp stick of `:the class described, which is adapted to 4be suspended lfrom an .eye bolt orany vsupporting memberbyfmeans of'one of `its uppermost clamping members, vand which is provided with .a pivotal joint intermediate its-ends in both .the supporting-pole andffthe operating rod, yby means of which this 110.01 vis manipulated when use d on high ltension lines.

Another-object of theinvention is the provision of an improved structure for-a foldingclampstick, which is so constructed that an indication isgiven to the operator if he fails to get :theitwo points ,of pivotal attachment for the pole and the rod `in aX-ialalignment witheach other before he'folds -the stick up.

Another object is the provision of-improved modifications of such a clamp stickthatareso constructed that it is practically impossible vto damage the, clamp stick by endeavoring `to-fold .it when the pivotal points `of the operating. rod Vand operating pole are'not'in alignmentwitheach other.

Another object of the invention-is the-provision of an improved clamp'lstickv-which is simple in structure, efficient in its'operationrhigh in insulating value, capable of economical manufacture andadaptedtobe used for-a long period-ottime -without necessity for repair orreplacement of .its folded position;

Fig. 3 is a` fragmentary view impartialI section on a flarger scale, showing. the structure vof fthe pivoted joint between the parts,- of vthe A operating pole and aysimilar jointcperiorming asimilar ..f1 1nction onithe .operatngrod;

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional View .taken .on the ,plane ofthe lined-. i of Figure 3;

Fig. 5is a fragmentary Vertical sectionalyiew ltaken on the plane of the line .5f-,5.0i Figure v3, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional viewshowing the structure of the clamp stick adjacent vthe joint, by means of which its partsare folded into a shorter space;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary axial sectional View, with the operating rod and clamping imember in elevation, showing -tliestructure and arrangement of :the parts at the upper vend of the ,clampstickg Fig A8 is a lfragmentary vertical v sectional IView taken on an axial planet/Vith operatingy rod vshown vin elevation, this rod being proyidedwithan auxiliary joint at its lower; end to preventbreaking off the rod when the parts of theLipole aree-folded without getting the points of pivot of the pole and points ofrpivot of the rod in algnmentwith each other Fig. 9 is "a vertical fragmentary sectionahview of another Ymodification in which lthe operating rodis provided with another 'form of pivotal mounting at its lowermostend;

Fig. 10 is aside elevational view oi another for-m of -iitting for hinging theoperating poles together;

Fialll is e fragmentary .sectional view cfa modification of Figure 4, showingdiiferentgforms of screw boltsand sockets;

1.12 is.a.;irannemarieseetioiiai View similar to Figure 4 of another modification, showing 2.31'

Aother forinof securing bolts and nut for the pole hinges;

Fig. 13is ya side elevationaly view of yanother form of operatingpolehinge; and

Fig. -14vis a topplanrview ofthe polehingelof Figure ,13 in vpartial section -to hshow the structure of the latching plunger.

Referring to Figures Vland 2,2.iindioateanits entirety thefolding clamp stick, the ,folding pole offwhich comprises a pair of sectionsl and 22,

and n the operating rod includes@ pair of. ,Sections 23 and 24 of insulating wood.

"The ooeretioapole Sections Y 2J @M1522 -rreferab1y.,oompri,se round wooden insulating., polesA y of suitable wood,such,.as spruce, suitablyviiredand coated with an insulating varnish. At oneside the 'round pole sections 2| and 22 Vare each provided With e longitudinally exieneiioarartialiy cylindricalgroove 25 or 2.6, Athe flatter,A groove in gthe,lower.section 22 terminating at,.;2i,and loaving a cylindrical handlelportion Zitat-the `lower .endeof the assembly.

The slots 35 are for the purpose of receiving a complementary depending lug on tap clamps and other tools or xtures, by meansof which the clamp stick may be used to rotate the whole tap clamp or other member as a unit, as distinguished from the separate rotation of the eye bolt.

Inside the tubular bore 36 of the metal tube 39 there is a metal cross-head 31 mounted for axial sliding movement, and `preferably so arranged that it cannot rotate in the tube 36. Cross-head 31 (Figure 7) is provided with an axially extending slot 38 leaving a pair of upwardly extending pivot flanges 39 for pivotally supporting the hook jaw 40.

The cross-head 31 may have an integral axially extending jaw member 4| at one side, this jaw member terminating in a beveled end 42. The hook jaw 46 comprises a hook formation 43, the body of which is circular in cross-section and formed with a beveled end surface 44 that is in .practically the same plane as the end surface 42 on jaw 4| when the jaws are closed, forming the eye 45, as shown in dotted lines.

The curved hook formation 43 of the hook jaw 4D is supported by a straight shank 46, which may be attened at its lower end to t in the slot 38, and provided with a through bore 41 for receiving the pintle- 48 that is riveted in the bore 41.

Pintle 48 is so located in the two pivot anges 39 that when the jaws 40, 4| are closed the straight portions of the jaws 46, 4| are located within the dimensions of the bore 36. Thus the complete cross-head 31 and jaws 40, 4|, may be drawn into the tubular clamp stick head 29, as shown in Figure 1, and when drawn into the bore 36 the upper end 34 of the metal tube 36 engages the outer side of the shank 46 of the pivoted jaw 46, forcing this pivoted jaw into the closed and vdotted line position of Figure '1 before the jaws spring 56:, which engages a spring follower 5|, having a beveled surface 52 engaging the adjacent curved corner 53 of the pivoted jaw 49. Spring 5|! and follower 5| tend to move the jaw 4B to open position, as shown in Figure '7, by pushing upward on the inner corner of the shank 46. Thus the jaws are urged to open position by the spring 56 and always assume this position when the cross-head 31 is outside of the tube 30.

When the cross-head 31 is drawn into the tube 36, the jaw 48 is forced over into closed position by engagement with the end 34 of the tube 30, forming a closed eye as shown at 45 in dotted lines in Figure 7. The closed eye thus provided is adapted to be engaged with the eye bolt 54 of a tap clamp, as shown in Figure 1, or with the eyes which are provided on drop-out cut-outs or other electrical apparatus.

The hook shaped formation 43 is of marked advantage because by means of this hook the clamp stick may be hooked into an eye and caused to suspend and support its own weight while it is being manipulated. Such a clamp stick will not get out of engagement with the eye bolt 54 while the operator is manipulating its mechanism.

The cross-head 31, Figure 1, is provided with a threaded bore 55, extending longitudinally into its lower end 56, the bore 55 being located to receive the rod 23, which may have a complementary threaded end portion 51. Thus the rod section 23 is adapted to be used to push and pull the cross-head 31.

Rod sections 23 and 24 are located in the partially cylindrical grooves 25 and 26 respectively lin the operating pole sections 2| and 22, thus causing the entire tool to present a smaller size than it would if the operating poles were not grooved and the operating rods were located entirely on the outside.

The operating pole section 22 is preferably provided at its lower end with a plain cylindrical portion 28, serving as a handle, this part being long enough to leave a hand-grip exposed even when the cross-head 31 is pulled down to its lowermost position.

Operating pole section 22 slidably supports a tubular metal hand-grip 58, comprising a tubular casting with a. generally cylindrical bore 59 of suflicient size to receive the pole 22, and, in addition, to provide space for an anchor plate 6|J. The wall of the tubular handle member 58 may be provided with an inwardly projecting lug 6| of partially cylindrical shape projecting into the groove 26, which groove is slightly larger than the operating rod 24.

Cylindrical lug 6| on handle 58 has a longitudinally extending threaded bore 62 into which the lower threaded end B3 of the operating rod 24 may be secured, or the rod may be secured in place by a headed pin or screw 64 passing through the wall into the rod 24. This headed pin mode of securement may be utilized in securing either end of the rods 23, 24 to their respective fixtures.

The hand-grip 58 may be provided with a plurality of peripherally extending ribs 65, and on the side adjacent the anchor plate its wall is preferably thickened at 66 and provided with a threaded bore 61 for the set screw 68, which preferably has an enlarged noncircular head for manipulation with the lingers.

Set screw 68 is located to engage the anchor plate 66, which may have a transversely ribbed and grooved surface 69 to engage the end of set screw 68, Figure 8. The anchor plate 66 consists of a strip of suitable metal in the form of a casting, having apertures at each of its ends for receiving the wood screws 1D, by means of which the plate 60 is secured to the pole section 22.

Adjacent its upper end the casting of the anchor plate 68 is formed with an integral socket member 1|, containaing a helical compression spring 12 engaging a ball 13. The anchor plate 60 also has a pair of spaced pivot ears 14 between which there is pivoted a movable stop member 15 on the rivet 16. This movable stop member 15 has one depending flange 19, which is engaged by the ball 13 to move it outward to position where the end of the depending flange 11 engages the end 18 of the sliding hand-grip 59.

The pivoted stop member 15 is so located longitudinally of the anchor plate and pole that when the end of the sliding hand-grip 58 engages the flange :'l-'I itheicross-head 3="| .is vin the dotted line position ofi-Figure 7,.,formfing a closedeye, but 'the 'cross-head is prevented from moving fupwardly 'beyond vthis position, thus .assuring the fact that the eye will lremain closed.

The depending flange is'of `such thickness., howeven'that it .may be inserted fin a radially extending slot 79 located in the bore v159 of Ithe sliding hand-grip 58. rI'ltepivoted.fstop 175 has another depending thumb fiange "8|l- Figu`re 2) by means of lwhich it maybepivoted vin. the clockwise direction, in Figure 2,'to'compressthe spring `'|2. When the flange Sli is pressed with the thumb the vflange H fmovesinwardlyifout fof engagment with the fend- 18 on the'fhand-grip sleeve 58.

Then the hand-grip 58 may move upiffarther on the pole 22 until yflange is received in Vslot 19 in the hand-grip, andthe cross-head 3l is moved outward to the full line vposition vof Figure 7 with its jaw open. Thus the hand-grip 5|`has two positions determined 'byzthe movable stop l5, one of which has the jaws'open, as rshown in full lines in Figure 'Land lin the other of which the jaws are `closed,'as shown in Vdotted lines in Figure '7.

The hand-grip 53 may be secured in either one of these positions `by means of the set lscrew 68, lwhich may be rotated until itenigages the anchor plate 5D. In `addition to these two positions the hand-grip 58 may be moved to anyxof a multiplicity of other .positions lbelow the `movable stop 'I5 and secured in lany such positions by means of the set screw 68.

The range of movement vof the hand-grip 58 and cross-head 37 is .only limited by 'the'space provided in the bore 30, and when 'the eye -4'5 oi the clamp stick has rbeen engaged-with anv eye bolt 54 the cross-head 3'| may be pulled .into the tube 30 'until the eye bolt 54 Vis-housedfin the "bore 36, and the :body of a tap clamp Vengages the end 34 with its depending lug :in the slot35, at the end of tube 35.

When a tap clamp is -thus'seoured, the clamp stick may be used for twisting the tap clamp .as a unit, and this is sometimes necessaryto '-bend the tap-01T wire until the jaws of the tap .clamp extend transversely to the conductor Vtowhich` they are to be applied.

In order to fold the `'clamp stick into a .minimum amount of space the wooden insulating pole is provided in -two sections 2l and 22, and

these are joined together by means of a pairof` hinge castings 8|, 32, each of which-'is provided with a tubular ferrule'183, 84, having afbore 85.

verse through pins, rivets, or wood screws '(not.

shown). Each hinge fttingl, 82 is Vpreferably provided with an end wall 86, formed with a partially circular groove 81 for passing theop-f erating rods 23, 24 and their'hinge fittings.

One of the hinge .ttings 8|, forexarnple, -may consist of a female ferrule having Aa pair of transversely extending securingflanges, carried by its end wall 86, in position to bereceivedv between the transverselsr Kextending securing.

flanges 89, which are carried by the end wall -86 ofthe male ferrule member 82.

The transversely extending flanges .881andi8'9 are longer than the diameter of the operating poles and ferrules, andproject -at theflleft (Elige ure f4) sufficiently to'iocatezthe axes' hither-iveted pintles '90 and 9| :outwardlyzof theicylindr'icalnoutline of the .operating :polesy 2|,.22.,..in alignment with the riveted pintle-LQZ, whichis used to provide a pivotal-connection between the two operating rod .sections 23 and .224.

.'Ihus the two operating pole sections 2|. .and 22 .may be pivoted ion the pintles 5i); 9| 'to 'the position shown in Figure 6, where V`theyexterid parallel to each other so that the lengthof .the assembly .is reduced by one-half. n'order'to secure .the two pole `sections 2|, 22 .together in their extended position` the securing vfla'ngesflit and y|39 lalso project .toward '.theriglit of .the .'.ferrules @83 :and 84 (Figure 4), and the flanges .169 are provided with the vthreaded bores 93 for re' ceiving the threaded portions`194 of the .thumb bolts 95.

These thumb .bolts vhave a -knurlled .head 9,6 for engagement with the. fingers, a 'reduced .cy-lindrical portion 91 and a rusto-'conical portion t8. The securing flanges 89 are .provided with a cylindrical bore 99 .communicating with a frusto conical bore lll and a cylindrical counterbore |.il.|.,f`the latter two being complementary to lthe parts '91 and 98 .on the thumb bolt 95.

The cylindrical bore 99 registers with the threaded bores `93 inthe flanges 88, and the walls of the bores S59, |96, |0| are cut awayat thetop side of the flanges B9, .forming `-a slot .|62 l(Figure V6) of the same width as the threaded 'portions 94 of the thumb .bolts.95.

When the thumb bolts .are withdrawn 'by turning them counterclockwise in their respeo tive bores until the frusta-conical part 38 is. wholly out of the flange 8,9, 'thenlthe threaded part 9:! of each thumb bolt can 'pass out of the slot |92, thus permitting the two thumb bolts Sto escape from the threaded bores 93.

With the thumbfbolts withdrawn inthisfmanner the two pole sections 2|, 22 may be moved from `the position of Figure l'tothat of Figure 16,.

When it is desired to secure the ytwo pole sections 2| and 22 in axial alignment with .each othenas shown in Figure 1, the pole lsections .are Ypivoted with respect to each other on vthe .fianges 8&:189 and pintles 9B, 9| until the threadedparts stof the thumb bolts 95 have moved down into -the bases of slots |02.

Then .the pole sections are in :alignment and may be so secured by turning the thumb `bolts .95

clockwise to drive them in to the .position of Figure 4. As this is done the frusto-conical portions 98 .act as a cam todraw the flanges 38 and 89 into such alignment that the axes of their bores are in alignment, and thereafter the cylindrical part Sl -ofeach thumb .bolt passes into the cylindrical part |0| of the socket and .provides a positive stop against relative movement between the flanges 88 and 89.

The socketing of the .enlargedportions ofthe thumb bolts 95 in complementary sockets inthe flanges '239 effectively secures flanges B8 ande@ together, and holds the pole sections 2| and?? in'axi-al alignment with each other.

Whenit is desired to fold the main `opera-ting poles VVA2| and 22, itis also'lnecessaryto provide a means for folding the two operating rodsffa-''land 2l! fand, therefore, theadjiacenten'ds oi the two whichhas a'ferrule mit, |65, yarideach ferr-ula of which carries a pivotflange l|ili'h'avingsa here g I ffor receivingthe .commonpirrtle 52 Figure 1i) Such .a .hinge The ends of the wooden operating rods 23 may be threaded into the bores |08 in the ferrules |04, |05, and they may be additionally secured by means of transverse screws, pins or rivets passing through the ferrule and rod.

The location of the pintle 92 between the rod sections 23, 24 must be such` that it is axially aligned with the axes of pintles of 90, 3| for the main operating pole sections 2|, 22, as is shown in Figure 4.

When it is desired to fold the clamp stick it is first necessary `to move the handle-grip 58 to such a position that these pintles 9U, 9|, 92 are in alignment. There the handle-grip may be secured by means of set screw 68, and by'releasing the thumb bolts 95. The lianges 88, 89 may be released from each other in such manner that the thumb bolts clear the slot |02, and as the operating pole sections 2|, 22 pivot on the pintles 90, 9| the operating rod sections 23, 24 pivot on the pintle 92.

Referring to Figures 10, l1 and 12, these are fragmentary illustrations showing alternative hinged ferrule arrangements between the pole and rod sections. In this case the hinge fittings for the operating rod may be substantially as previously described, and the castings for the hinge fitting for the operating poles may be substantially as described except for the means for securing the securing flanges together.

The securing flanges have been indicated at 88a and 89a since they are similar to those described, but diler in some details. In Figure 12, the thumb bolts |09 are identical in construction,

and each has the same knurled head 93 prevously described, but this form dispenses with` the frusto-conical part.

Below the head there is a reduced cylindrical portion IIB which fits into a complementary cylindrical socket II I, and the threaded shank l 94 of each thumb bolt passes through a complementary bore I I2 in the flange 89a and is threaded into the flange 89h.

This mode of securement of Figure 12 does not have the advantage of a screw bolt which has a frusto-conical portion for drawing the bores in the securing flanges into registry with each other. Instead the parts must be pivoted over into the position of Figure 1, where the screw bolt shanks 94 hit the base of slots |02, and then the cylindrical part I||l of each thumb bolt I 09 is already in position to be threaded into its securing socket Referring to Figure 11, in this alternative form of securing means a single screw bolt ||3 is employed, the head ||4 of which is adapted to be sealed in a complementary hexagonal socket ||5. The shank ||6 of this screw bolt is passed in a slot I I1 in the right flange 83a and passes through a bore I I8 in each of the flanges 88a.

The end of the bolt ||3 is threaded at I|`9, and is engaged by a nut having a knurled cylindrical body I2 I, and having a reduced cylindrical part |22 that fits into a complementary socket |23. Adjacent the socket |23 there is the slot |24 in the leftange 89a, but the left flange 88a has a bore ||8. In this embodiment the nut |20 must be loosened suiciently so that the head ||4 may get out of its socket ||5, and the cylindrical formation |22 may move axially out of its socket |23, than the bolt I'I3 will pass upward out of its slots |24, H1, which are equivalent to the slot |02 of Figure 6.

.. A11. ofthe screw bolts |09, IIS, 55 preferably have their ends riveted over so that they cannot be wholly withdrawn and lost.

Referring now to Figures 13 and 14, these show the castings for another alternative form of fastener between the operating pole sections. In this case the two ferrules 83 and 84 are pivoted together by means of the pintle |25 (Figure 13) which passes through a pair of pivot iianges |26 formed on the ferrule 83 and through a pivot lug |21 that is located in the slot |28 between the pivot flanges |26.

The axis of the pintle |25 is located outside of the boundaries of the ferrules 83, 84, or at least in alignment With the adjacent external surfaces of the ferrules, to permit the ferrules to pivot over against each other at a point opposite to the pintle |25.

The' flange |26 is formed with a tapered recess |23 surrounding a cylindrical bore |30, and the bore receives the cylindrical end |3| of a spring latch |32. The spring latch is a plunger with a partially spherical camming end |33, cylindrical portion |3| and enlarged body portion |34. It is mounted in a bore in the pintle lug |21, and is urged outward by helical compression spring |33. It may be pressed inward by the thumb until the ball shaped end |33 rides on the insides of flange |26, permitting the two parts to pivot, or its cylindrical part |3| may snap into the bore |30 to hold the parts rigidly against pivotal movement.

In order to secure this type against rattling the opposite lower flange |23, in Figure 14, may have a threaded bore |31 for receiving the threaded shank |38 of a thumb screw |39. The counterbore |40 may receive a metal washer I4 I, which is secure-d by having the lug |21 riveted over into the counterbore |43 outside the washer I4I.

The spring |36 may seat against the washer |4I' and the hole in the washer |4| may be used for engagement with the end of the thumb screw |39 as a tightening screw to assure the securement of the joint in the position of Figure 14.

Under some conditions an operator might forget to move the operating rod sections 23, 24 longitudinally unit the pintles 9|), 9|, 92 were in alignment, and the operator might try to fold the clamp stick with these pintles out of alignment. This places a strain on the lower operating rod section 24, particularly at its lower end adjacent its securernent in the socket 64 of the handle-grip 58, where the operating rod tends to bend.

I have discovered that strain on the operating rod can be avoided by placing an additional hinge fitting at the lower end of the operating rod section 23, as shown in Figure 8. Here the hinge litting may be substantially the vsame as described at |03 between the two operating rods, but the lower part of the hinge tting does not have a ferrule but is provided with a solid cylindrical body |42 (Figure 8) which is secured in the bore 62 in the handle-grip 5B by means of a transverse driven pin |43.

The lower part of the hinge fitting preferably has an enlarged cylindrical part |44 above the solid plug |42, but aside from these details this hinge tting indicated in its entirety at |45 has its upper part of the same construction as described for hinge fitting |03.

Referring to Figure 9, this is a fragmentary view showing another alternative form of pivotally connecting the lower operating rod section 23 to the handle-grip 53. In this case the handle-grip is provided with an integral pintle.

MT` on a-'ferrule 148; byvmeans. of a riveted pintl'e |49. The operatingfrodzsection 23 is secured in ferrule M8 bya riveted pin |58'.

"The operation ofi` this .form of the clamp stickis asfollows'LThe extraepintleconnection at |45 or M9, betweengthe handle-grip 58. and the lowery operating Vrod sectionf23, permits'y the operator tobegin tol f oldgthe plole without getting. tne pintlesfll; 954",v 92 in: perfect alignment.

Hit-he` operator;-inadvertentlyv folds the sticks without lst aligning; the hinges of the pole and rod sections, the 'lower dowel rod can hinge at M9,- or ME at the same `time it, hinges at 92. It is found that thishinging action comes to a firm stop after traveling about 90 degrees. IIhe operators; attention is Vth-us drawn tothe fact thatr he has not aligned the hinges, and without straightening the tool he; is able to slide the upperhingecinto the proper position and to continue to fold the. tool. tothe position of Figure; 2. Thus the additinal hinge at thelower end of the lower operating rod` section preventsthe operator fromV breaking the tool bylfolding itwithout align,- ing the hinges.

operation of. the; clamp stick will be apparent from the-foregoing description of its parts andthe operation ofithevariousparts. The present clamp stick has all; of, the advantages ofthe devicesV oftheprior:arti and itis also capable, of being foldedinto'such aposition that it-only occupies about half-thelengthof an extended clamp stick. l

When sticks are provided-tor use upon very high voltagel theymust be' made longer, and the problem-o1- storing -themin alimited space becomes more acute. Therefore, the present `folding clampstickfis or greater, importance for longer clamp sticksrwhich-may thus be carried and stored-in more convenient places in vehicles and tool boxes.

While J3 haveiilustrated apreferred embodiment of my invention, many modicationsv may be; made without departing fromthe spirit of the invention, and I do not wish-to be: limited tothe 4poecisef'details of. construction set forth, y`but desires to avail myself of -all changes within the scope of the; appended claims.

-Having thus describedmy invention, what I claim as; new and desire to secure by Letters Patont. of the United States, is:

' 1. Ina folding clamp stick, the combination ofv a-pair of; operating-l polev sections pivoted togather at onef-sidegtobe'movedinto position adjacent eac-h other-orinto :al-.position oflongitu-` dinal alignment, "with VYmeans :for 'securing the operating` pole sections 1in longitudinall alignment,` an operating/rod- 'comlliising a pair of sections pivotedtogether at a point or pivot which isfadapted =to-be brought into alignment with thev pivot of the operating poles by moving the rod sectionslongitudinally, a clampr stick jaw operatively connectednwithf thev end,- of; Vthe rod and slidably mounted .onthe upper pole section,

and` an;operatingv handle: -sl'idably mounted; on

the lower pole section.- saidi operating handle being piVotalflyfsecuI-ed toi-'tia operating rod Whereby 'the pivotal: movement of the operating poles, when lthe pintlgesof Athe operating pole and operating-:rod are notfin, alignment, Will .causeY thev lower v`operati-ngrodzseotitmatov pivot; on said handie without breaking until, the operating pole pivotal movement comes-to a stop atv substantia1ly-fright.anglesl Ato Aprevent brealsingi-of the Operatingrodand to, indicate to the .usersA that" thepivots of' the operating; poley sectionswand operating rod sections must bey brought into alignment to complete the? folding of `the clamp stick.

2. In a,- foldingf clampstick, the. combination ofv a pair,V of operating pole sections pivoted together at one sideto be moved into position adjacenteach other or into a position of longitudinal alignment, with means lfor securing the. operating polesections in longitudinalvv alignment, an operatingrod comprising a pair of sections pivoted together at a pointer pivot which is adapted to bebrought into alignment with the pivot of the operatingV poles bymoving the rod sections longitudinally@ clamp stickajawoperatively connected -withthey end of the rod and slidably mountedongthe upper pole section, and an operating handle sl-idably mounted on the lower pole section, said operating handle being pivotally secured tozthe; operating rod-whereby the pivotal movement, ofthe operating poles, when the pintles of the operatingpole and operating rod are not in, alignment, will cause the lower operating rod section to pivot on said handle withoutbreaking until the operating pole pivotal. movement comes to a stop at substantially right angles tov-preventbreaking of the operating` rodk and to indicate to the user that the pivots of the operating pole sections and operating rodV seetionsmust be brought into alignment to. complete the folding of the clamp stick, the upper operating pole being provided with a tubular head having arc-entrai bore, and the lsaid jaw being n iounted1 upon a cross-head receivable in said bore.

. 3. In a` folding clamp. stick', `thecombination of a pairof operating poler sections pivoted together. at one side to be moved into position adjacent each other or into` af position of longitudinal align-ment, with means for securing the operatingpoleA sections in longitudinal alignment, an operating rod comprising apair of sections pivoted-tog-ether at a point of pivot which is.` adapted: to be brought finto alignmentl with the pivot oi the operatingpoles byV moving the rod; sectionslongitudinally, a clamp stick jaw operatively connected with 'theZ end ofthe rod and slidably mounted on the upper pole section, and an operatingl handle sl-idably mounted on thelower pole section, said operating handle being pivotally securedfwto the operating rod whereby the pivotal; movement of the operating poles, when the pintles of the operating pole and'operating-rodare not in alignment, will causeithe-lower'operating rod section to pivot on said handle without breaking until the operatingpole pivotal movement comes to a stop at substantially right angles `to. prevent breaking said tubular memberV urging said jaw inward as'v the, cross-head moves into said bore. Y

4; In a folding'clamp stick, the combination of a pair of operating pole sections pivotedy together at one'sid'e to be. moved into position adjacent each other or into a position of longitudinalalignment, withf-means'for securing the operating pole-sections in longitudinal alignment, an operating rod comprising a pair of sections pivoted together at a point of pivot which is adapted to` be brought into alignment with the pivot of the operating poles by moving the rod sections logitudinally, a clamp stick jaw operatively connected with the end of the rod and slidably mounted on the upper pole section, and an operating handle slidably mounted on the lower pole section, said operating handle beingpivotally secured tothe operating rod whereby the pivotal movement of the operating poles, when the pintles of the operating pole and operating rod are not in alignment, will cause the lower operating rod section to pivot on said handle without breaking until the operating pole pivotal movement comes to a stop at substantially right angles to prevent breaking of the operating rod and to indicate to the user that the pivots ofthe operating pole sections and operating rod sections must be brought into alignment to oomplete the folding of the clamp stick, the upper operating pole being provided with a tubular head having a central bore, and the said jaw being mounted upon a cross-head receivable in said bore, said cross-head having spring means for pivoting said jaw outward, and said tubular member urging said jaw inward as the cross-head moves into said bore, the said cross-head having an upwardly extending jaw formation engaging the first-mentioned jaw to form a complete closed eye when the cross-head is drawn into said bore.

5. In a folding clamp stick, the combination of a pair o1 operating pole sections pivoted together at one side to be moved into position adjacent each other or into a position o f longitudinal alignment, with means for securing the operating pole sections in longitudinal alignment, an operating rod comprisingv a pair 'of sections pivoted together at a point of pivot which is adapted to be brought into alignment with the pivot of the operating poles by moving the rod sections longitudinally, a clamp stick jaw operatively connected with the end of therod and slid'ably mounted on the upper pole section, and an operating handle slidably mounted on the llower pole section, saidA operating handle being pivotally secured to the operating rod whereby the pivotal movement of the operating poles, when the pintles of the operating pole and operating rod are not in alignment, will cause the lower operating rod section to pivot on said handle without breaking until the operating pole pivotal movement comes to a stop at substantially right angles to prevent breaking of the operating rod and to indicate to the user that the pivots of the operating pole sections and operating rod sections must be brought into alignment to complete the folding of the clamp stick, the said operating pole sections being provided on the side toward their pivot with a groove for receiving a substantial part of said operating rod sectons, and the pivots vof the operating rod sections and pole sections being located outwardly of said rod with respect to said groove.

6. In a clamp stick, the combination of an upper pole section of insulating material with a guide sleeve carried by its upper end, and a sliding cross head member slidably mounted in said sleeve, a rod of insulating material secured to said cross head and extending from the inside of said sleeve parallel to said pole section, said cross head being provided with an upwardly extending nxed jaw, a pivoted jawpivoted on said cross head and having an upper hook formation which is downwardly open, the end of the hook engaging said xed jaw .to form a closed loop when the cross head is pulled into said sleeve, 4said sleeve engaging the outside of the pivoted jaw to move it into engagement with the xed jaw, resilient means for engaging the inner lower side of the pivoted jaw member to move it to` open position when the crossv head moves upwardly and the said pivoted jaw emerges from said sleeve, a lower insulating pole section extending downwardly from the upper section, said upper and lower pole sections having their adjacent ends secured in ferrules carried by a pair of separate hinge fittings, a pair of hinge fittings, each hinge fitting having a pair of laterally extending pivot flanges, the said pivot flanges being mounted on a common pintle located outwardly of the pole sections, a sliding tubular handle mounted on the lower pole section, a lower rod of insulating material secured to said handle, and hinge means for joining the lower rod to the upper rod, said hinge means having a pintle located outwardly of the pole sections and rods to be brought into alignment with the pintle of said fittings, the length of said rods being so proportioned that the cross head and jaws are drawn into said sleeve when the pintlesof the rods and pole sections are in alignment with each other so that both pintles and rods pivot on the same axis, to be folded in such manner that the two pole sections extend parallel to each other.

7. In a clamp stick, the combination of an upper pole section of insulating material with a guide sleeve carried by its upper end, and a sliding cross head member slidably mounted in said sleeve, a rod of insulating material secured to said cross head and extending from the inside of said sleeve parallel to said pole section, said cross head being provided with an upwardly extending xed jaw, a pivoted jaw pivoted-on said cross head and having an upper hook formation which is downwardly open, the end of the hook engaging said iiXed jaw to form a closed loop when the cross head is pulled into said sleeve, said sleeve engaging the outside of the pivoted jaw to move it into engagement with the fixed jaw, resilient means for engaging the inner lower side of the pivoted jaw member to move it to open position when the cross head moves upwardly and the said pivoted jaw emerges from said sleeve, a lower insulating pole section extending downwardly from the upper section, said upper and lower pole sections having their adjacent ends secured in ferrulcs carried by a pair of separate hinge fittings, a pair of hinge fittings, each hinge tting having a pair of laterally extending pivot flanges, the said pivot anges being mounted on a common pintle located outwardly of the pole sections, a sliding tubular handle mounted on the lower pole section, a lower rod of insulating material secured to said handle, and hinge means for joining the lower rod to the upper rod, said hinge means having a pintle located outwardly of the pole sections and rods to be brought into alignment with the pintle of said ttings, the length of said rods being so proportioned that the cross head and jaws are drawn into said sleeve when the pintles of the rods and pole sections are in alignment with each other so that both pintles and rods pivot on the same axis, to be folded in such manner that the two pole sections extend parallel to each other, the said ttings for the pole sections each having a pair of securing anges disposed oppositely to the anges bearing their pintle, and a pair of threaded members threaded into the threaded bores in the lianges of one tiing, and having heads adapted to be received in sockets in the securing anges of the other tting, said sockets communicating With bores registering with the threaded bores, and said sockets having longitudinally extending slots for passing said threaded members in or out of the 'bores which communicate with the sockets.

8. In a clamp stick, the combination of an upper pole section of insulating material with a guide sleeve carried by its upper end, and a sliding cross head member slidably mounted in said sleeve, a rod of insulating material secured to said cross head and extending from the inside of said sleeve parallel to said pole section, said cross head being provided with an upwardly extending xed jaw, a pivoted jaw pivoted on said cross head and having an upper hook formation which is downwardly open, the end of the hook engaging said xed jaw to form a closed loop when the cross head is pulled into said sleeve, said sleeve engaging the outside of the pivoted jaw to move it into engagement with the fixed `iaw, resilient means for engaging the inner lower side of the pivoted jaw member to move it to open position when the cross head moves upwardly and the said pivoted jaw emerges from said sleeve, a lower insulating f pole section extending downwardly from the upper section, said upper and lower pole sections having their adjacent ends secured in ferrules carried by a pair of separate hinge fittings, a pair of hinge fittings, each hinge fitting having a pair of laterally extending pivot ilanges, the said pivot flanges being mounted on a common 14 pintle located outwardly of the pole sections, a sliding tubular handle mounted on the lower pole section, a lower rod of insulating material secured to said handle, and hinge means for joining the lower rod to the upper rod, said hinge means having a pintle located outwardly of the pole sections and rods to be brought into alignment with the pintle of said ttings, the length of said rods being so proportioned that the cross head and jaws are drawn into said sleeve when the pintles of the rods and pole sections are in alignment with each other so that both pintles and rods pivot on the same axis, to be folded in such manner that the two pole sections extend parallel to each other, the said lower rod section being also pivoted to said handle sleeve so that some pivotal movement of the pole sections may be accomplished when the said pintles are not in alignment, to indicate to the operator that they should be brought into alignment, and preventing the operator from breaking the rods. y DAVID C. HUBBARD.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 797,692 Kirchner Aug. 22, 1905 940,832 Swoger Nov. 23, 1909 944,269 Kocsis Dec. 28, 1909 

